All-Ireland Ladies Minor A football final
Cork v Galway
Birr, 5.45 pm
TIPPERARY CLAIMED THE All-Ireland Minor B title on Saturday with a comprehensive victory against Offaly.
And now it’s the turn of holders Galway and Cork to contest for the A silverware in Birr this evening.
Cork have won the title at this grade on seven previous occasions and were last crowned champions in 2011 but they’ll have their hands full with a Galway side looking to defend their crown.
The Westerners have won this competition four times in the past and, in renowned goalscorer Aoibhinn Joyce, they possess a player on top form.
Galway enjoyed a six-point semi-final victory over Dublin in what was a repeat of last year’s classic final and subsequent replay while Cork were busy knocking 4-14 past Cavan in their last four tie.
This game is a repeat of the 2012 U16 final, which Galway won by just a single point.
Another tight game is anticipated but the bookies make Galway favourites. We, too, give the Tribeswomen a tentative nod but only after what promises to be an absorbing tie.
Betting: Cork 13/8, Draw 10/1, Galway 8/15.
Verdict: Galway
TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC qualifier
Donegal v Kerry
Birr, 4 pm
Donegal were relegated from the top flight of League football this year but did themselves proud in the TG4 Ulster semi-final, losing by just six points to champions Armagh.
Donegal were expected to provide little more than cannon fodder for an emerging Armagh side but confounded the odds by producing a gritty display.
Kerry should win this afternoon in Birr, provided their attitude is right, but Donegal can make a real game of it if they decide to attack the qualifiers with gusto.
Kerry were well beaten by Cork in the Munster final, conceding six goals in the process, and will be anxious to bounce back quickly.
William O’Sullivan’s Kingdom side is still viewed as one of the leading contenders for All-Ireland glory and we’ll get a clearer indication of just how strong they are at St Brendan’s Park.
There was a suspicion following the Cork game that O’Sullivan may have been in experimental mood and targeting the bigger prize down the road.
But Kerry are in knockout mode now and one more slip will prove fatal. That slip won’t come against Donegal, however.
Betting: Kerry 11/8, Draw 14/1, Donegal 9/2
Verdict: Kerry
Information provided by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).
